9 Essential Nursing Skills

1. COMPASSION

A nurse must be drawn to caring for the sick and injured. This includes having empathy

for the pain and suffering of patients, as well as a strong desire to make the hospital

experience as positive as possible.

2. COMMUNICATION

Since a nurse is often a patients advocate as well as a link between family members

and hospital staff, the ability to effectively speak and listen is critically important. Nurses

in the research and education sectors also must be able to communicate and

collaborate effectively.

3. ETHICS

A nurse needs a solid framework of ethics that will guide personal and professional

conduct. This framework should include a commitment to humanitarian service and

concern for the dignity of all patients.

4. CRITICAL THINKING

Nurses are faced with important choices on a daily basis and must be able to use

critical thinking to aid in decision-making. Furthermore, nurses who are involved in

policy-making need critical thinking in order to successfully improve health care for all

members of society.

5. ATTENTION TO DETAIL

A nurses actions on the job can have far-reaching consequences. Whether youre

a family nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, even the smallest mistake may have

tragic results, therefore, strict attention to detail must be second nature for a nurse.
6. CONFIDENCE

Nurses must be confident they have the skills and knowledge to provide the best

possible care. They must be able to work independently with little supervision, knowing

they will get the job done. Self-doubt can be dangerous when a nurse is faced with a

critical situation.

7. ADAPTABILITY

Flexibility and the ability to adapt are especially important for nurses. Like doctors,
nurses are often required to work long hours or deal with fluctuating schedules, and the

ability to cope becomes paramount in such situations.

8. STAMINA

Nursing is a demanding profession that requires physical, mental and emotional

strength. An effective nurse needs a high energy level and a healthy lifestyle in order to

succeed.

9. COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT

Health care is a dynamic field. In order to stay current, a successful nurse is dedicated

to continuing education and participation in professional organizations.

This article was written by Social Media Outreach Coordinator Erica Moss on behalf of

CAREEREALISM-Approved Partner, 2tor an education technology company that

partners with institutions of higher education such as Georgetown University to deliver

their online Masters in Nursing degree.